2004 Davis Cup Tennis Odds

February 3, 2004

The first round of the
Davis Cup kicks off on Feb. 6-8, which means it's time for another
round of Tennis-X yearly predictions. Noticeably
missing from this year's party are Germany, Great Britain and Brazil,
all banished to minor league play for the year after failing to
re-up in the qualifying round in 2003. Rainer, Tim, Guga, have a
good time in Euro/African/Whatever Zone IV competition travelling
to trendy tourist destinations like Zimbabwe and Israel (don't forget
the bulletproof vest).

Australia has a long road in defending
their championship in 2004, perched in the top half of the draw
with the U.S., Russia, and the Argentine Army. The bottom half the
of the draw is up for grabs, featuring the injury-hit Spaniards,
Switzerland, France and Croatia among the favorites. So take a read,
then head to the nearest on-line bookie, and don't forget to send
us our cut when the check rolls in:

TEAM

ODDS

COMMENT

1. Australia

3-1

Defending champs too solid with Hewitt,
Flipper, and dubs veterans

2. USA

5-1

Stacked team in year-end No. 1s Roddick and Bryan brothers
hungry for a win

3. Switzerland

7-1

"Team Fed" can take it to the
hoop, Swiss have a cake draw

4. Spain

10-1

Big line-up but hit by injuries from too much play in 2003,
depth could save them

5. Russia

15-1

Almost the same team from 2002 title run,
but Safin still injury-prone?